Top Ten Best Garage Door Opener Reviews For 2018: Automatic Systems Fully Integrated With WiFi Smartphone Use
Your new home is amazing, right? From the living spaces to your yard and garage, you have everything you need. Or, do you? How do you open the garage without a garage door opener?
It’s such a small object, but it’s needed to move something big. It may seem like just any garage door opener would do, no? But, just imagine getting home and what do you know, your opener doesn’t work. Sure, it’s not a big deal, but who wants to fuss around with opening the garage door manually when they get home?
Maybe you’ve never had to make a decision on such a seemingly small product. What do you look for? How do you know what’s best for your needs?
The following garage door opener reviews will open your eyes to the variety and will help you make a decision on the one that will make life easier. Everyone wants to simplify their day-to-day life and you’ll be sure to find the garage door product that will do just that. Make sure to keep an eye out for safety features on the openers to ensure safe and convenient use.
Our Top 10 Best Garage Door Opener Recommendations
| Product | Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|
#1 - 8500 LiftMaster 2-Pack: Dual Pack For Double Doors
 | 8 Dual Pack For Double Doors
| 5.0 stars out of 5 |
#2 - Chamberlain WD1000WF: Powerful Motor For Heavy Doors
 | Powerful Motor For Heavy Doors
| 4.5 stars out of 5 |
#3 - Senclo Fi, Universal: High-Tech Design With Touchscreen
 | High-Tech Design With Touchscreen
| 4.0 stars out of 5 |
Table of Contents
- Our Top 10 Best Garage Door Opener Recommendations
- 1. 8500 LiftMaster 2-Pack: Dual Pack For Double Doors
- 2. Chamberlain WD1000WF: Powerful Motor For Heavy Doors
- 3. Senclo Fi, Universal: High-Tech Design With Touchscreen
- 4. LiftMaster 3800 Residential Jackshaft: Very Quiet Garage Door Opener
- 5. Genie SilentMax 1200: Great Value For Money
- 6. SOMMER 1042V003 Direct Drive: Simple And Effective Design
- 7. Chamberlain WD832KEV: With Timer Functionality
- 8. Craftsman ½ HP Chain Drive: Ideal For Smaller Doors
- 9. NEXX Garage NXG-100 NXG: Google Assistant Enabled
- 10. Genie PowerLift Model 2562-TC: Not Effective Enough For The Price
- What Features You Need To Focus On
- Power
- Controls
- Safety System
- Timer
- Belt
- Conclusion
1. 8500 LiftMaster 2-Pack: Dual Pack For Double Doors
You have a big, beautiful home. Congratulations. But, those double doors can be tricky. Fortunately, the 8500 LiftMaster is here to help you out. This two-pack door opener will help you to use both doors when needed.
With double power locks, 88LM wall controls, safety beams, remote light, and transmitters included in the package, you won’t lack for anything with the LiftMaster. The jackshaft and the side mount opener are also some great features.
Something very valuable on the 8500 LiftMaster is the Protector System safety sensors that will reverse the door if something gets in the way—such as a human or object. This can help to protect against accidents. The 6-foot power cord is long enough so that you can install it a large garage.
The enclosed gear case ensures that your product works well for years to come as it lubricates and protects your equipment.
Pros:
- They can work for double-door garages
- They include all the necessary components for smooth-working operation
- They are easy to install
- They are relatively quiet to use
- They work smoothly and efficiently
Cons:
- They are pricey
- They don’t work from very far away
2. Chamberlain WD1000WF: Powerful Motor For Heavy Doors
Some garage door openers just don’t have the power that is needed for many heavy doors. If you’re blessed with a beautiful, large garage door, it could be tricky to find the one that you need for your home.
The Chamberlain WD1000WF may be exactly what you need for your home. It has a compatibility with 7708CB for 8-foot doors and 7710CB for 10-foot doors, so if you have a door that is just a bit too heavy for most options, choose this one.
It also includes a smartphone control with built-in WiFi, which helps you to easily control it from afar. The Chamberlain also includes two remote controls with three buttons for easy controlling.
It also has a LCD wall control, so you can keep track of specific details that make the difference in your door opener use. It has a horsepower of 1-1/4 HPS which means you can get a lot of power out of this option.
It’s also made of strong materials that promise long-lasting use. For example, the belt drive is steel-reinforced, which helps it to provide reliable use.
Pros:
- Because it’s quiet, it can be used to open your garage at night
- It is easy to install, so you don’t have to worry about spending hours on it
- It’s made from quality materials that make it a durable option
- The battery-backup feature is very handy should you lose power in your home
- The built-in WiFi and app make it an ideal smartphone garage door opener
Cons:
- The software functions a tad too slow
- The wire connectors are flimsy
3. Senclo Fi, Universal: High-Tech Design With Touchscreen
If you want to get all techy and the like, the Senclo Fi is ideal. It’s the modern alternative to classic designs. With a touchscreen, you can easily see how and what you’re controlling. It is also compatible with Alexa, Apple Watch, and Google Assistant.
It has an auto-open and close function which means that it will automatically open when you arrive home and close once you’re inside. It allows you to easily control it with your smart phone.
If you have multiple doors, you can connect the Senclo Fi to up to three sensors, which makes it extremely convenient. It also permits you to customize themes according to your preference.
Pros:
- It’s great for those who like advanced tech features
- It’s easy to control from afar
- It’s easy to control from afar
- It’s easy to install
- It’s reasonably priced
Cons:
- It’s reasonably priced
- It may not be the best for when the power goes out
4. LiftMaster 3800 Residential Jackshaft: Very Quiet Garage Door Opener
Could you think of something that would drive you crazy with a garage door? Just imagine trying to go to sleep when a housemate or spouse gets home and there’s go the peace and quiet.
The LiftMaster has many great features, but one of the best is how quietly it’s DC motor works. With a power lock, an 888LM wall control, a remote light, and transmitter, the LiftMaster 3800 includes the necessary components for easy setup and use.
It’s also compatible with MyQ. The temperature is monitored by an auto-force feature to ensure that it works smoothly, no matter what.
If you’re looking for an option that won’t wake the “dead” and will provide you with easy, straightforward use, this may be the one for you.
Pros:
- It includes all the necessary accessories
- It’s quiet to use
- It has a smooth, effective operation
- It’s easy to install
- It isn’t as costly as other LiftMaster options
Cons:
- It may not be compatible with just any garage door
- The light attachment requires you to change the bulbs often
5. Genie SilentMax 1200: Great Value For Money
If you don’t want to overspend, but you want to get a quality option, the Genie SilentMax is relatively dependable and isn’t overpriced. It has a 140V DC motor which provides enough power for many different kinds of doors.
It has a steel-reinforced drive system which helps to provide you with a durable door opener. It is easy to install and doesn’t require additional hardware. It has a self-diagnostic Safe-T-Beam system which ensures that it will work smoothly and safely.
It also has an Intellicode Security System which prevents strangers from being able to get in with random door openers. It’s also easy to program with its SmartSet program. The Genie SilentMax includes an extension kit and a 60 W light bulb.
Pros:
- It’s easy to install
- It works quietly
- The light works automatically
- It’s conveniently priced
- It works quickly
Cons:
- It may open on its own randomly
- The company provides poor customer service
6. SOMMER 1042V003 Direct Drive: Simple And Effective Design
With a simple design, there is no need to stress about learning how to use the Sommer. While it isn’t the best for large, heavy doors, it includes a rail for 7 ft.-8 ft. garage doors and includes an installation kit for easy installation.
The Sommer provides relatively quiet use, so you don’t have to worry about getting home late. With two 2x button transmitters, a wireless keypad, and a wall station, you can easily control settings to ensure that you get the best use out of it.
It has Homelink compatibility which is convenient for many homeowners. The rolling code technology is also an attractive feature.
While it isn’t as fast as some designs, its quiet motor and easy installation make it a favorite option for many. Is it the one for you?
Pros:
- It’s easy to set up
- It is one of the quietest options around
- It has Homelink compatibility
- It works effectively
- It’s durable
Cons:
- It doesn’t work as quickly as other options
- The instructions are not very clear
7. Chamberlain WD832KEV: With Timer Functionality
You want your garage door opener to be safe to use. After all, we’re talking about lifting a heavy door up and down. So, to be sure that you have an accident-free garage, consider how the Chamberlain can help.
It has protector system safety sensors. They will ensure that the door reverses should something get in the way while it’s closing. Whether you have pets or are worried about unexpected moments, this feature is highly convenient.
The quick-install rail system makes it easy to assemble. If you want to use your smart phone with this option, you can with the MyQ enabled technology. It’s compatible with Homelink and has a unique timer-to-close feature that will automatically close your garage door, should you forget. This is a great way to protect your home. It also has a steel-reinforced belt drive for durable use. The Chamberlain also has a Motor Vibration Isolation system, so that there is limited vibration upon opening and closing.
Pros:
- It has great features that help to keep it quiet
- The protector safety system helps to keep everyone safe
- It’s easy to assemble
- It has special features to encourage quiet function
- It’s relatively inexpensive
Cons:
- It’s relatively inexpensive
- The bar flexes a bit too much
8. Craftsman ½ HP Chain Drive: Ideal For Smaller Doors
This attractive design is more than just a good-looking option. It’s the most ideal choice for those with smaller garage doors. It has two multi-function remotes which make it easy to control and two separate car openers, so you and your spouse can both have one.
It works quietly and with easy installation, you don’t have to worry about spending forever to get it to work.
While it isn’t best for larger doors, it will provide reasonably trustworthy use for many homes. It runs smoothly and is a simple and convenient option for small garages. Best of all, it’s an inexpensive option that won’t break your bank.
Pros:
- It’s highly affordable
- It runs smoothly and quietly
- It includes the necessary components for easy controlling
- It is easy to assemble
- It’s an attractive design
Cons:
- The remotes only work with this product
- It doesn’t work with larger doors
9. NEXX Garage NXG-100 NXG: Google Assistant Enabled
No one can deny that smart products make life easier. If you like to have what you need at your fingertips, you’ll appreciate that the NEXX is Google Assistant enabled, so you can control it from your phone.
You can easily open and close the door from your phone using a WiFi network and you can also control it from afar. You simply tap on the app on your phone or even give voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant.
It also works with multi-user access, which is convenient for multi-person households. The app also allows you to know if you accidentally forgot to open or close the door. It’s easy to install on your own, so there’s no need to worry about hiring someone to do it for you.
The NEXX garage door opener is one of the most affordable options that you can find, yet still provides good value.
If you’re tired about worrying about lost garage door openers and don’t want to fuss with inconvenient features, the advanced technology is highly attractive.
Pros:
- It’s super easy and fast to open and close your garage door
- You can set the app to read when you’re getting close
- It’s a highly affordable option
- It lets you know when you have forgotten to close the door
- It can be used with Google Assistant or Alexa
Cons:
- The installation isn’t the easiest
- You need additional tools to set it up
10. Genie PowerLift Model 2562-TC: Not Effective Enough For The Price
The Genie PowerLift is ideal for larger doors, as it can open doors that weigh up to 500 lbs. It has two pre-programmed remotes with 3 buttons so that it’s easy to control. It also includes a multi-function wall control with a vacation lock and light control button.
With a self-diagnostic Safe-T-Beam system, you can be sure that it will reverse direction if it senses a presence under it. This is ideal for keeping everyone safe. In fact, if there is one feature that you would want to focus on, it would be this one. Safety is important when it comes to garage doors.
It’s relatively easy to install and the C-channel rail ensures smooth functioning. It’s a decent option, although it’s not as low priced as other options.
Pros:
- It has a Safe-T-Beam system for safe use
- It can work with larger doors
- The wall control includes a vacation lock
- It’s easy to install
- It works quickly
Cons:
- It’s a bit too loud for comfort
- Genie customer service is not that helpful
What Features You Need To Focus On
Are you ready to make a decision on a garage door opener? If so, take a look at the features below. These features are some of the more important ones to consider before purchasing one. Because every home is different, you will need to consider your home and what kind of opener would work best with it.
Power
When choosing a door opener, it’s important to consider the size of your garage door. For example, you may love the Craftsman ½ option, but your door may be a bit too big for it. It’s important to take a look at how much power is offered by the one you want and if it’s enough for your garage door.
Controls
You want convenience from your garage door opener, because if not, why are you even looking for one? So, when considering an option, take a look at what type of controls are included. Some people like the convenience of using smart options, as many times, it’s simply giving a voice command to open your garage door.
Something else that makes the app control WiFi garage door opener ideal is that if you’re a forgetful person, you won’t easily lose it like you would a manual opener. Not many people forget their smart phones just anywhere. If you do, you’ll lose much more than just a garage opener.
Others may not like this as it depends on WiFi or an ever-present phone connection. If you would rather have a manual option, the more traditional controls should work just fine on many openers.
Safety System
One of the biggest fears that you could have concerning your door is that it will close on your pets or someone. This is why it’s important to ensure that the option that you choose has some kind of protection system. In fact, choosing safety over other features like aesthetics is the best decision you can make. Especially if you live in a multiple-person household. The unexpected happens and you want a garage opener that will help keep everyone safe.
For example, there are options with Safe-T-Beam security which use sensors to reverse the direction if they sense a presence under the door. It’s a life-saver, literally.
Timer
Some options include a type of timer or feature that will automatically close the door around 5 minutes after, should you forget to shut the door. This happens much more than many people realize. You’re rushing out to work and don’t remember to click your clicker.
A timer can save you time and trouble of you having to return home to shut it off. Just make sure that you also have a sensor system, so that the door doesn’t accidentally close on your pet cat.
Belt
When shopping for a garage door opener, you want something that will work for a long time to come. It’s important to pay attention to the belt when you’re shopping. A broken belt means a broken garage door opener. Some options have steel-reinforced material that helps it to last for a long time to come.
Another thing to consider about the belt is how quietly it functions. You don’t want one that makes a horrible noise every time you open the garage door. Just imagine having finally put your baby to sleep and your partner gets home, and there goes the hours spent getting them down to bed. Not fun. A quiet belt is a great belt.
Conclusion
The above garage door openers are some of the most decently priced ones around. They also offer quality and reliable features. Whether you have a large garage door, a small one, a new one, or an old one, a quality option will make a difference.
Who has time to fuss with the garage door in our busy lives? There are much more important things to worry about and a garage door shouldn’t have to be one of them.
If you choose wisely, you can be sure to forget about fussing with your door and start worrying about other things.
Whether you like to use options with smart technology to make your life easier or you prefer more traditional designs, the above options provide plenty of variety to choose from. Which one do you think is best for you and your needs?
